Haverhill sees new £6.5m galvanizing plant opened by MP Matthew Hancock
Major investment in a new industrial plant for Haverhill was welcomed by West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock when he opened its state-of -the-art facility.
Mr Hancock, who is the Government’s Paymaster General, visited the new Acrow Galvanizing plant at Piperell Way and saw some of its operations.
The £6.5million project has taken 10 months to build and replaces the company’s previous Saffron Walden site.
Acrow Galvanizing is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing which has 14 sites across the UK.
The new Haverhill plant features sustainable practices including rainwater harvesting, low carbon lighting and an energy efficient furnace.
Acrow Galvanizing treats steel items ranging from tiny components to large metal beams.
It employs 23 shift staff plus admin staff at Piperell Way and has been recruiting locally over the last two years.
John Nicholson, commercial manager, said that while the majority of its Saffron Walden workforce had transferred over the company has been recruiting in the local area for some time so that many of those transferring over already come from Haverhill.
The company offers hot dip galvanizing services to rail, construction and highway industries.
Mr Nicholason said that despite the uncertainties in the UK steel industry the company’s strengh was in the range of different customers it served.
“The beauty of being part of a large group is that we are able to offer a wide range of services from a 9mm washer to a 21metre beam of steel.
“This is one of the advantages of having a diverse range of customers when the sector is impacted by change,” he said.
Mr Hancock said he was very pleased to see this level of investment in the town.
“I was delighted to open the Acrow Galvanizing plant on Friday.
“This new state-of-the-art plant will provide a boost to the local economy and is a very welcome addition to the town of Haverhill. It will brings more jobs to the town, and I look forward to working with them,” said Mr Hancock.
Cllr Alaric Pugh, St Edmundsbury Cabinet member for growth, said: Barely a week passes when we don’t hear of companies interested in investing and re-investing in this area. It is very good news to hear about Haverhill investment, very positive indeed.”
